Google continues to keep the SEO world on edge… This year we have seen two major algorithm updates. After the one in March, here comes the August 2023 Google Core Update!
As always, the quality of content will be at the heart of this rollout… It is therefore time to consider working with a web copywriter freelancer to obtain high-value content, essential for your SEO.
The Mountain View company continues its unwavering commitment to delivering increasingly relevant and accurate search results. As business owners and/or web professionals, what does this new August 2023 Google Core Update have in store for you?
The August 2023 Google Core Update targets search results
In August 2023, the world of search experienced another evolution, a testament to Google's power in setting web standards!
Announced on August 22, 2023 on social media, the update to Google’s core algorithm, commonly called the “August 2023 Google Core Update,” began its rollout. It concluded on September 7.
We released the August 2023 core update today. We will update our ranking release history page once the rollout is complete: https://t.co/sQ5COfdNcb— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) August 22, 2023
This evolution of Google’s algorithm is all the more significant because it is the second major update of the year, the previous one having taken place in March 2023.
These Core Updates, essential to the proper functioning of the search engine, primarily aim to improve the relevance and quality of the results offered to users.
Of course, as always with Mountain View, we don’t know the precise details of this update. We only know that it can have notable repercussions on the visibility of certain websites…
What is the impact of this major update on websites?
As a major update, the consequences of the August 2023 Google Core Update affect several aspects of websites:
Performance and traffic
Google announced that this update could affect website performance. However, the American giant specifies that a traffic drop does not necessarily mean errors. Its advice is to check your content and, if necessary, supplement or improve it so it can regain its original traffic.
Visibility in search results
The Google Core Update often affect a website's ranking, whether positively or negatively! Some media outlets might lose their visibility overnight or, conversely, climb the rankings and improve their online reputation.
Conversion rates
The direct consequence of a decrease (or increase!) in a website's performance and visibility is a change in your conversion rates. Whether it's direct sales (for e-commerce) or form completions to acquire leads, these rates are directly impacted by Google algorithm updates.
If your pages rank for new, better-qualified queries, or if they rise in the results, that's a jackpot! Conversion rates should increase… On the other hand, if the Google Core Update lowers your ranking or alters your SEO strategy, you may see a decrease in conversions.
How can I tell if my content was affected by the August 2023 Google Core Update?
The August 2023 Google Core Update completed its rollout 16 days after it started, on Thursday, September 7. Generally, you should wait a few days after the rollout finishes to assess the consequences of an algorithm change.
While initial movements can be detected during the rollout, it is recommended not to take action until it is finished.
Use Google Search Console and Google Analytics to audit the following items:
- Website visibility Check traffic, impressions, clicks, and CTR. Any change may indicate an impact from this new Google Core Update.
- Ranking in search results Identify any changes in the rankings of your primary and secondary keywords following the update.
- User behavior and engagement Any change in bounce rates or session duration indicates an impact on your SEO.
- Content quality Major Google updates focus on overall site quality, particularly content value. Any page or blog post that experiences a drop in performance should be audited. It might be time to expand, update, or remove that content to regain rankings in the SERPs.
Our tip for responding to the August 2023 Google Core Update
When facing a Google algorithm update, patience is key. Monitor performance indicators closely, analyze your content, but don't rush decisions!
Major updates can cause temporary ranking fluctuations. They often stabilize after the rollout is complete. There's no need to immediately overhaul your marketing and SEO strategies…
However, if you find that the August 2023 Google Core Update has genuinely affected your search visibility, it's time to take corrective measures. Focus on optimizing your website content and blog posts, and get support from a web copywriter! Post your writing needs now on our writing platform, Redacteur.com.
The article Google Core Update August 2023: second update of the year! first appeared on Redacteur.com.
